Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro. This is more than just a spec sheet showdown; it's about figuring out which phone truly fits into your life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Apple iPhone 15 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | 146.6 × 70.6 × 8.3 mm | S21 FE is larger, potentially less comfortable for small hands. iPhone 15 Pro is more compact. |
| Weight | 177g | 187g | S21 FE is lighter and might feel less cumbersome during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.1" | S21 FE provides a larger viewing area for media, while iPhone 15 Pro is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1179x2556 | iPhone 15 Pro offers a sharper display with more detail. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 403 | 461 | iPhone 15 Pro will appear noticeably crisper than the S21 FE. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 2000 nits | iPhone 15 Pro is significantly brighter, making it easier to view in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | Apple A17 Pro (3nm) | iPhone 15 Pro boasts vastly superior performance for demanding apps and gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 923,836 | 1,641,883 | iPhone 15 Pro offers a smoother and faster overall experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Apple GPU (6-core) | iPhone 15 Pro provides superior graphics capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 48MP, f/1.78, 1/1.3" | iPhone 15 Pro captures much more detail with its higher resolution sensor. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 8MP, f/2.0 | None | S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto camera, but image quality may be inferior to the iPhone main camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.8 | iPhone 15 Pro boasts a dedicated telephoto lens for enhanced zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 12MP, f/1.9 | S21 FE's selfie camera has a higher pixel count, but this may not translate to overall image quality as the iPhone sensor is better. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | iPhone 15 Pro’s sensor is bigger, capturing more light which results in better images, the S21 FE has a minor advantage in pixel count but this would not translate to better image quality. |
| Video | Up to 4K 60fps HDR | Up to 4K 60fps HDR | Both phones can capture high-quality video but the iPhone is better. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | Main: 117, Photo: 119, Video: 107 | Main: 154, Photo: 153, Video: 158 | iPhone 15 Pro has much superior camera performance. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | Main: 127, Photo: 126, Video: 130 | Main: 149, Photo: 145, Video: 156 | iPhone 15 Pro performs much better in selfie camera performance. |
| Camera Features | OIS, EIS, Autofocus, etc | OIS, EIS, Autofocus, Pro Video, etc | Both have similar features, the iPhone 15 pro has additional features such as Cinematic Mode and Ultra Stable Video Mode. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 3650 mAh | S21 FE has a larger battery, which could result in longer battery life, but the iPhone's chip is more efficient. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 27W Fast Charging | iPhone 15 Pro offers slightly faster wired charging. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, Reverse charging | 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | S21 FE offers reverse wireless charging, while iPhone has MagSafe. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | iOS 17 (upgradable to 18) | Different ecosystems; Android is more customizable, iOS is more streamlined. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both phones offer fast, reliable WiFi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | iPhone 15 Pro has a newer version for better performance. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5) | iPhone 15 Pro supports more satellite systems for more precise location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | iPhone 15 Pro has the advantage of eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512/1024 GB | iPhone 15 Pro has significantly more storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8 GB | iPhone 15 Pro has a standard of 8GB ram, the S21 FE has options for 6 or 8, meaning that the base model might be lacking in RAM compared to the iPhone. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic | Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic, 3 mics | iPhone 15 pro has additional microphones for better sound quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Security Features | S21 FE includes a basic fingerprint sensor, where the iPhone uses FaceID. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 FE uses a superior screen protection technology. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S21 FE has a more comprehensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Strengths: The S21 FE offers a larger display and a bigger battery, which could be better for media consumption and longer use. It also has reverse wireless charging which can be useful for charging peripherals. The inclusion of a fingerprint sensor offers a different means of security than face unlock.
- Competitive Advantages: The S21 FE has a significantly lower price point making it more appealing for budget-conscious consumers.
- Trade-offs: The S21 FE is using a chip that's several generations older, so it won't have the same level of processing power or camera performance as the iPhone. It also lacks expandable storage which may be a problem if you have a lot of files.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro:
- Strengths: The iPhone 15 Pro boasts a significantly more powerful chip, much superior camera system, a brighter and sharper screen, and more storage options. It also has better video recording.
- Competitive Advantages: The A17 Pro chip in the iPhone offers top-tier performance, better camera quality, especially for video, making it the top choice for those who want the best of the best.
- Trade-offs: It comes at a premium price point. Also, the smaller display and battery might not appeal to everyone.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Best for: Budget-conscious consumers who still desire a large screen for media and browsing. Users who value having a fingerprint sensor and physical SIM slots.
- Use Cases: Daily use, social media, video streaming, casual gaming, and users who prefer android over iOS.
- Apple iPhone 15 Pro:
- Best for: Users seeking the best performance, camera quality, and premium experience regardless of price. Great for professional users that need high-quality image and video recording capabilities.
- Use Cases: Professional photography/videography, demanding gaming, content creators, and those deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help guide your choice:
- What's your budget? If budget is a major constraint, the S21 FE is much more affordable.
- How important is performance and camera quality? If you want the best performance and camera, the iPhone 15 Pro is the way to go.
- What are your needs in terms of battery life and screen size? If you value battery life and a larger screen, the S21 FE may be preferable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Photographer: Choose the iPhone 15 Pro. Its camera system and video capabilities far outclass the S21 FE.
- The Casual User: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. It provides a solid experience for everyday tasks and social media while remaining budget-friendly.
- The Gamer: Choose the iPhone 15 Pro for its superior processing power and graphics, though the S21 FE is also a capable device.
- The Power User: Choose the iPhone 15 Pro for its unparalleled performance and feature set.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd personally opt for the Apple iPhone 15 Pro. While I appreciate the S21 FE's affordability and larger screen, the iPhone's performance and camera system are simply too compelling to overlook. As a tech journalist and analyst, I prioritize having the best possible performance, as I need a device capable of handling demanding tasks, especially when video recording and image capturing. The advancements in processing power and camera capabilities of the A17 chip make it the clear winner in this regard for my needs. I also value its more compact size and the streamlined experience of iOS. The price is definitely a premium but I believe it’s worth the investment for what I’m looking for.
